THE OFFSEASON BEGINSThough players lament missing out on postseason, firstwinning record heightens anticipation for big 2010

By John McClain |
January 5, 2010

While Texans players cleaned out their lockers and packed their bags at Reliant Stadium on Monday, many reflected on what might have been during their first 9-7 season and what could be next season.

First and foremost, the players were disappointed they didn’t make the playoffs. After they defeated New England 34-27, it came down to needing Cincinnati to beat the New York Jets on Sunday night, but the Bengals lost 37-0. “I was very disappointed in that performance,” defensive end Antonio Smith said about the Bengals. “It really looked like they didn’t have any fight in them. They had no interest in even winning the game. They looked pretty bad even when they had their starters in. They didn’t even look like they were trying.” The players were glad to know coach Gary Kubiak will return for his fifth season. Owner Bob McNair made it official after the Patriots game. “That means the world to a lot of guys,” offensive tackle Eric Winston said. “(Kubiak) has respect for us, and that means a lot. “Sometimes this season, he would step in front of the bullet for us, and a lot of times, I think we let him down. But we stepped up big for him down the stretch. Next season, we need to play like that all the time.” The Texans closed with a four-game winning streak and finished second in the AFC South for the first time, despite their 1-5 division record. They were 3-1 against the AFC East and, for the third consecutive season, 3-1 against the NFC. “However little these baby steps have been, they’re baby steps in the right direction,” Winston said. “I think (the next steps) are double-digit wins and to get into the playoffs. “I’d like to see this team win 11 or 12 games next year. I think we’ve got that kind of talent.” Later, long after the players had gone, Kubiak had his last Monday news conference. “I’m disappointed we didn’t get in the playoffs,” Kubiak said. “We got better, though. We took another step forward. I’ve said this many times, that I think we can win any week right now, and that’s very encouraging. “When we were staring at 5-7 and the problems we had at that point, what they did points to their character.” The Texans set team records for points (388), fewest points allowed (333), yards (6,129) and fewest yards allowed (5,198). Matt Schaub threw for 4,770 yards, the sixth-highest total in NFL history. “I think the fact that he was on the field 16 weeks was huge to this team,” Kubiak said. “When he came out of the locker room in Jacksonville (after suffering a dislocated left shoulder), it lifted the team and the coaching staff. “He made huge progress as a player this year. Now he needs to propel his team to the next level.” The Texans tied for 13th in defense, an improvement from ranking 32nd after the first three games in Frank Bush’s first season as defensive coordinator. “Bob (McNair) asked me today my biggest surprise, and I told him the progress this defense made,” Kubiak said. “Our defense gave us the chance to win every week. The progress made was incredible. “The job that Frank and the defensive staff did was a highlight for our team. It was very encouraging about where we’re headed as a defense. The job Frank did was very special.” john.mcclain@chron.com